Citation

Thompson LH, Dutta S, Bhattacharjee P, Leung S, Bhowmik A, Prakash R, Isac S, Lorway RR. Transgend Health 2019; 4(1): 316-325.

Affiliation

Department of Community Health Sciences, Centre for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/trgh.2018.0051

PMID

31701013

PMCID

PMC6837158

Abstract

Purpose: Gender-diverse individuals in India face considerable discrimination, stigma, and violence. There is a dearth of published literature describing experiences of violence among this population and potential links to mental health. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 282 study participants, 18 years of age and older, who self-identified as hijra, kothi, double decker, or bisexual and were actively enrolled in a local HIV prevention program in Bangalore, India in 2012. Responses were used to calculate a composite depression/anxiety score. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and experiences of physical and sexual violence in the previous six months were tested and differences in depression/anxiety score based on experiences of violence were explored. Results: Recent physical violence was common among study participants and was reported among 46% of nirvan (emasculated) hijras (transgender), 42% of akwa (not emasculated) hijras, and 25% of kothis (feminine acting males). Rape in the previous year was particularly common among akwa hijras (39%). Factors associated with being raped included younger age, less education, and employment in basti (blessings), sex work, chela (disciple of hijra guru), or at a community-based organization. Kothis had the highest depression/anxiety score. No significant difference in depression/anxiety score based on recent history of physical violence or rape was found. Conclusions: Physical violence and poor mental health are common among gender-diverse individuals in Bangalore, Karnataka. There is a need for services that cater to the unique mental health needs of gender-diverse individuals in India, following rights-based approaches that address the underlying roots of oppression they encounter.

© Laura H. Thompson et al. 2019; Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Language: en

Keywords

India; hijra; kothi; mental health; transgender; violence